Shelf divider system

ABSTRACT

There is provided a shelf divider system for organizing, moving, and displaying merchandize items on a store shelf. A plurality of dividers attach perpendicularly to a plurality of base strips by inserting knobs on the dividers into mating holes in the base strips. Each adjacent pair of dividers forms a channel for the merchandise. Merchandize carriers slide over the base strips between each adjacent pair of dividers. A pull strap is attached to the front end of each carrier for pulling it forward for moving the merchandize items forward on the shelf. The pull straps have longitudinal grooves therein for dividing the pull straps longitudinally into two narrower pull straps. The merchandize items are prevented from falling from the front of the shelf by transparent guards attached to guard holders. The shelf divider system may be attached to the shelf by clips, which attach a base strip to the shelf.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to retail store product storageand display, and, more specifically, to a shelf divider system fororganizing, moving, and displaying merchandize items on a store shelf.

2. Description of the Related Art

In grocery stores and general merchandize and department stores, retailmerchandize is often stocked and sold on open shelves where the itemsare freestanding. Store personnel must arrange, organize, and straightenthe merchandize item by item so that it is readily displayed and visibleto the shopper. This process is known as “facing, fronting, or zoning,”and normally occurs during off-peak hours, as does restocking,reordering, and inventory management. Freestanding merchandize presentsa problem for consumers when different types or brands of productsbecome mixed or lost in a jumble behind other products. Also, after thefrontmost items are removed from the shelf by purchasers, the remainingitems are often not within view or easily accessible by later shoppers.Items located on the upper shelves often cannot be reached. In addition,whole departments of shelves and their merchandize are continuouslyrearranged in “resets” due to seasonal changes or consumer demands. Theshelves are then completely emptied and an entirely new line ofmerchandize is stocked and displayed on the shelves.

A number of shelf divider systems have been used in the past. Some useclear plastic dividers to separate different types of product, but haveno means for conveying the rear merchandize to the front. Some systemsinclude coil springs that are designed to push merchandize forward asthe product in front is removed. These systems often have rails that arefastened to the front of the shelf. However, due to spring failure or aproduct too heavy to be pushed forward, these systems are often noteffective in moving the remaining product to the front of the shelf.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,438 to James Garth Close discloses a system andmethod for product display, arrangement, and rotation using magneticattraction to assist in the method. U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,386, also toJames Garth Close, discloses a system and method for product display,arrangement, and rotation using position and support elements to pullitems forward on a shelf. (See FIGS. 12 and 13.) U.S. Pat. No.6,719,151, also to James Garth Close, discloses a system and method forproduct display, arrangement, and rotation in which products are pulledforward by pulling a front member which is attached to two slide railswhich fit into the vacant space near the bottom of rounded containersides. U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,720 to Stephen Hardy discloses a productmanagement display system for organizing and displaying items on agondola shelf. The system uses coiled ribbon springs to move productsforward on a shelf.

However, all of the prior art devices have significant drawbacks thathave limited their widespread commercial use. A need therefore existsfor a shelf divider system that effectively separates, organizes, anddisplays merchandize items on a store shelf. Preferably, such a systemwill permit conservation of shelf space by eliminating wasted spacebetween stocks of different products. Still more preferably, this systemwill be quickly assembled and installed on or removed from a store shelfwithout the need for tools or separate fasteners. Even more preferably,such a system will provide a means for easily moving merchandize itemsforward on a shelf, but also preventing the items from inadvertentlyfalling from the shelf.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the aforementioned need. According toone embodiment of the invention, a shelf divider system is provided fororganizing, moving, and displaying merchandize items on a store shelf. Aplurality of dividers attach perpendicularly to a plurality of basestrips by inserting knobs on the dividers into mating holes in the basestrips. Each adjacent pair of dividers forms a channel for themerchandize. Merchandize carriers slide over the base strips betweeneach adjacent pair of dividers. A pull strap is attached to the frontend of each carrier for pulling it forward for moving the merchandizeitems forward on the shelf. The pull straps have longitudinal groovestherein for dividing the pull straps longitudinally into two narrowerpull straps. The merchandize items are prevented from falling from thefront of the shelf by transparent guards attached to guard holders. Inone embodiment, the shelf divider system is attached to the shelf byclips, which attach a base strip to the shelf.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a shelfdivider system that separates, organizes, and displays merchandize itemson a store shelf. It is another object of the invention to provide ashelf divider system that provides a merchandize channel or track inwhich merchandize items are organized in order and separated from unlikeproducts. It is another object of the invention to provide a manualmeans for moving merchandize items forward so that the items will beprominently displayed and not be lost near the back of shelves orunreachable on the higher shelves. It is another object of the inventionto provide a shelf divider system that conserves shelf space byeliminating wasted space between rows of different products stored on ashelf. It is a further object of the invention to provide a shelfdivider system that can be quickly assembled and installed on or removedfrom a store shelf without the need for tools or separate fasteners.Other objects of the invention are apparent from the followingdescription, the claims set forth below, and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and theadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following DetailedDescription of an Example Embodiment of the Invention, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the shelf divider system of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a base strip of the shelf dividersystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a top view of a portion of the base strip of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a divider of the shelf divider systemof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a bottom view of a portion of the divider of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of merchandise carrier of the dividersystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a pull strap of the shelf dividersystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of guard holder of the shelf dividersystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a guard of the shelf divider system ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a clip of the shelf divider system ofFIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The invention and its advantages are best understood by referring to thedrawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts ofthe various drawings. In FIG. 1 there is shown in perspective view ashelf divider system, generally designated 10, according to an exampleembodiment of the invention. Shelf divider system 10 is useful fororganizing, moving, and displaying merchandize items, such as jars ofspices, on a grocery store shelf (not illustrated). Shelf divider system10 comprises at least one base strip 12 for engaging the shelf dividersystem 10 with the shelf. It further includes a plurality of dividers 14attached perpendicularly to the base strips 12. Each adjacent pair ofdividers 14 forms a merchandize channel 16.

A merchandize carrier 18 is slidably disposed between each adjacent pairof dividers 14. Each carrier 18 has an elongated runner 20 slidablyengaging at least one base strip 12. Referring to FIG. 4A, runner 20 hasa front end 22 and a rear end 24. A backstop 26 is on the rear end 24 ofrunner 20. A pull strap 28 is attached to the front end 22 of eachcarrier 18 for pulling carrier 18 for moving the merchandize itemsforward on the shelf.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, base strips 12 have a plurality ofspaced holes 30 therein. Referring to FIG. 3A, each divider 14 comprisesan elongated base 34 and an upstanding wall 36 extending upward from thebase 34. The cross-sectional shape of the divider 14 is thus an inverted“T”. A plurality of spaced knobs 32 are on the lower surfaces ofdividers 14. Knobs 32 are arranged to mate with the holes 30 in basestrips 12 for attaching the dividers 14 to the base strips 12. Thespaced holes 30 in the base strips 12 and the spaced knobs 32 on thedividers 14 are arranged so that the dividers 14 attach to the basestrips 12 only perpendicularly with respect to the base strips 12.

As best seen in FIG. 2B, the spaced holes 30 in the base strips 12 arearranged in parallel rows. The holes 30 are staggered from one anotherin sequential rows. This configuration allows dividers 14 to be placedas close as possible to the merchandize to prevent wasted shelf space.As best seen in FIG. 3B, the knobs 32 on the dividers are arranged inparallel rows and columns. In one embodiment of the invention, thespacings A and B of knobs 32 on divider 14 are 0.702 inches and 0.281inches, respectively, and the spacings C, D, and E of holes 30 in basestrip 12 fire 0.702 inches, 0.281 inches, and 0.094 inches,respectively.

As seen in FIG. 4A, the carrier runners 20 have a plurality of spacedknobs 38 near their front ends 22. Pull straps 28 have a plurality ofspaced holes 40. Knobs 38 on the carrier runners 20 mate with selectiveholes 40 in the pull straps 28 for adjustably attaching the pull straps28 to the carrier runners 20.

Referring to FIG. 2B, base strips 12 have opposite beveled edges 42.Referring to FIG. 4A, carrier runners 20 have front and rear ends 22 and24, respectively, with beveled edges 44 thereon for smooth slidingengagement over the base strips 12. Pull straps 28 have longitudinalgrooves 46 for dividing the pull straps 28 longitudinally into twonarrower pull straps for use in narrower merchandize channels 16.

Referring to FIG. 1 guard holders 48 are attached to the front ends ofdividers 14. An elongated guard 50 is attached to the guard holders 48for preventing the merchandize items from falling from the front of theshelf. Referring to FIG. 5A, each guard holder 48 includes a base 52having a plurality of spaced holes 54. A guard receptor 56 extendsperpendicularly from base 52. Guard receptor 56 has an opening 58 forreceiving guard 50. Knobs 32 on dividers 14 mate with the holes 54 inthe base 52 of guard holders 48 for attaching the guard holders 48 tothe dividers 14. Guard 50 is transparent for viewing the merchandizeitems through guard 50.

Referring to FIG. 6, clip 60 attaches the shelf divider system 10 to theshelf. A plurality of spaced holes 62 extend inward from one end of clip60 for attaching clip 60 to the shelf by means of plastic push-infastener 66 or other suitable fastener. A pair of spaced tabs 64 arelocated near the opposite end of clip 60 for attaching to a base strip12 for securing the shelf divider system 10 to the shelf.

In one example embodiment of the invention, base strip 12, divider 14,carrier 18, pull strap 28, and guard holder 48 are formed of mediumdensity polypropylene thermoplastic. Guard 50 is formed of acrylictransparent plastic. Clip 60 is made from steel.

The shelf divider system of the present invention, and many of itsintended advantages, will be understood from the foregoing descriptionof an example embodiment, and it will be apparent that, although theinvention and its advantages have been described in detail, variouschanges, substitutions, and alterations may be made in the manner,procedure, and details thereof without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims, orsacrificing any of its material advantages, the forms hereinbeforedescribed being merely an exemplary embodiment thereof.

1. A shelf divider system for organizing, moving, and displayingmerchandize items on a shelf, which comprises: at least one base stripfor engaging with the shelf; a plurality of dividers attachedperpendicularly to the base strips, each adjacent pair of dividersforming a merchandize channel; a merchandize carrier slidably disposedbetween each adjacent pair of dividers, each carrier having an elongatedrunner slidably engaging at least one base strip, the runner having afront end and a rear end, and a backstop on the rear end of the runner;and a pull strap attached to the front end of each carrier for pullingthe carrier for moving the merchandize items forward on the shelf. 2.The shelf divider system of claim 1, wherein: the base strips have aplurality of spaced holes therein; and the dividers have lower surfaceshaving a plurality of spaced knobs thereon, selective knobs on thedividers mating with selective holes in the base strips for attachingthe dividers to the base strips.
 3. The shelf divider system of claim 2,wherein the spaced holes in the base strip and the spaced knobs on thedividers are arranged so that the dividers attach to the base stripsonly perpendicularly with respect to the base strips.
 4. The shelfdivider system of claim 3, wherein the spaced holes in the base stripsare arranged in parallel rows, the holes being staggered from oneanother in sequential rows.
 5. The shelf divider system of claim 3,wherein the spaced knobs on the dividers are arranged in parallel rowsand columns.
 6. The shelf divider system of claim 1, wherein eachdivider comprises an elongated base and an upstanding wall extendingfrom the base, the cross-sectional shape of the divider thus being aninverted “T”.
 7. The shelf divider system of claim 1, wherein thecarrier runners have at least one knob near their front ends and thepull straps have at least one hole therein, the knobs on the carrierrunners mating with the holes in the pull straps for attaching the pullstraps to the carrier runners.
 8. The shelf divider system of claim 7,wherein the carrier runners have a plurality of spaced knobs near theirfront ends and the pull straps have a plurality of spaced holes therein,selective knobs on the carrier runners mating with selective holes inthe pull straps for adjustably attaching the pull straps to the carrierrunners.
 9. The shelf divider system of claim 1, wherein the base stripshave opposite beveled edges and the carrier runners have front and rearends with beveled edges thereon for smooth sliding engagementtherebetween.
 10. The shelf divider system of claim 1, wherein the pullstraps have longitudinal grooves therein for dividing the pull strapslongitudinally into two narrower pull straps.
 11. The shelf dividersystem of claim 1, wherein the dividers have front and rear ends andfurther including: guard holders attached to the front ends of at leastsome of the dividers; and an elongated guard attached to the guardholders for preventing the merchandize items from falling from the frontof the shelf.
 12. The shelf divider system of claim 11, wherein: eachguard holder includes a base with a plurality of spaced holes therein;and the dividers have lower surfaces having a plurality of spaced knobsthereon, the knobs on the dividers mating with the holes in the guardholder base for attaching the guard holders to the dividers.
 13. Theshelf divider system of claim 11, wherein each guard holder includes: abase; and a guard receptor extending perpendicularly from the base, theguard receptor having an opening therein for receiving the elongatedguard.
 14. The shelf divider system of claim 11, wherein the elongatedguard is transparent for viewing the merchandize items therethrough. 15.The shelf divider system of claim 1, further including at least one clipfor attaching the shelf divider system to the shelf.
 16. The shelfdivider system of claim 15, wherein the clip has first and second ends,and wherein a plurality of holes are proximate the first end forattaching the clip to the shelf, and a pair of spaced tabs are proximatethe second end of the clip for attaching to the base strip.
 17. A shelfdivider system for organizing, moving, and displaying merchandise itemson a shelf, which comprises: at least one base strip for engaging withthe shelf, the base strip having a plurality of spaced holes therein; aplurality of dividers attached perpendicularly to the base strips, eachdivider having front and rear ends and comprising an elongated base andan upstanding wall extending from the base, the cross-sectional shape ofthe dividers thus being an inverted “T”, each adjacent pair of dividersforming a merchandize channel, the dividers having lower surfaces havinga plurality of spaced knobs thereon, selective knobs on the dividersmating with selective holes in the base strips for attaching thedividers to the base strips, the spaced holes in the base strips and thespaced knobs on the dividers being arranged so that the dividers attachto the base strips only perpendicularly with respect to the base strips;a merchandize carrier slidably disposed between each adjacent pair ofdividers, each carrier having an elongated runner slidably engaging atleast one base strip, the runner having a front end and a rear end, anda backstop on the rear end of the runner; a pull strap attached to thefront end of each carrier for pulling the carrier for moving themerchandise items forward on the shelf, the pull strap having alongitudinal groove therein for dividing the pull strap longitudinallyinto two narrower pull straps; guard holders attached to the front endsof at least some of the dividers; and an elongated guard attached to theguard holders for preventing the merchandize items from falling from thefront of the shelf.
 18. The shelf divider system of claim 17, wherein:the spaced holes in the base strips are arranged in parallel rows, theholes being staggered from one another in sequential rows; and thespaced knobs on the dividers are arranged in parallel rows and columns.19. The shelf divider system of claim 17, wherein the carrier runnershave a plurality of spaced knobs near their front ends and the pullstraps have a plurality of spaced holes therein, selective knobs on thecarrier runners mating with selective holes in the pull straps foradjustably attaching the pull straps to the carrier runners.
 20. Theshelf divider system of claim 17, wherein the base strips have oppositebeveled edges and the front and rear ends of the carrier runners havebeveled edges thereon for smooth sliding engagement with the basestrips.
 21. The shelf divider system of claim 17, wherein: each guardholder includes a base with a plurality of spaced holes therein; and thedividers have lower surfaces having a plurality of spaced knobs thereon,the knobs on the dividers mating with the holes in the guard holder basefor attaching the guard holders to the dividers.
 22. The shelf dividersystem of claim 17, wherein each guard holder includes: a base; and aguard receptor extending perpendicularly from the base, the guardreceptor having an opening therein for receiving the elongated guard.23. The shelf divider system of claim 17, wherein the elongated guard istransparent for viewing the merchandize items therethrough.
 24. Theshelf divider system of claim 17, further including at least one clipfor attaching the shelf divider system to the shelf, wherein the cliphas first and second ends, and wherein a plurality of holes areproximate the first end for attaching the clip to the shelf and a pairof spaced tabs are proximate the second end of the clip for attaching tothe base strip.
 25. A shelf divider system for organizing, moving, anddisplaying merchandize items on a shelf, which comprises: at least onebase strip for engaging with the shelf, the base strip having oppositebeveled edges and a plurality of spaced holes therein, the spaced holesbeing arranged in parallel rows, the holes being staggered from oneanother in sequential rows; a plurality of dividers attachedperpendicularly to the base strips, each divider having front and rearends and comprising an elongated base and an upstanding wall extendingfrom the base, the cross-sectional shape of the dividers thus being aninverted “T”, each adjacent pair of dividers forming a merchandizechannel, the dividers having lower surfaces having a plurality of spacedknobs thereon arranged in parallel rows and columns; selective knobs onthe dividers mating with selective holes in the base strips forattaching the dividers to the base strips, the spaced holes in the basestrips and the spaced knobs on the dividers being arranged so that thedividers attach to the base strips only perpendicularly with respect tothe base strips; a merchandize carrier slidably disposed between eachadjacent pair of dividers, each carrier having an elongated runnerslidably engaging at least one base strip, the runner having a front endand a rear end and a backstop on the rear end of the runner, the runnershaving a plurality of spaced knobs near their front ends, the front andrear ends of the runners having beveled edges thereon for smooth slidingengagement with the base strips; a pull strap attached to the front endof each carrier for pulling the carrier for moving the merchandize itemsforward on the shelf the pull strap having a longitudinal groove thereinfor dividing the pull strap longitudinally into two narrower pullstraps, the pull straps having a plurality of spaced holes therein,selective knobs on the carrier runners mating with selective holes inthe pull straps for adjustably attaching the pull straps to the carrierrunners; guard holders attached to the front ends of at least some ofthe dividers, each guard holder including a base with a plurality ofspaced holes therein, the knobs on the dividers mating with the holes inthe guard holder base for attaching the guard holders to the dividers,and including a guard receptor extending perpendicularly from the base,the guard receptor having an opening therein for receiving the elongatedguard: an elongated guard attached to the guard holders for preventingthe merchandize items from falling from the front of the shelf, whereinthe elongated guard is transparent for viewing the merchandize itemstherethrough; and at least one clip for attaching the shelf dividersystem to the shelf, wherein the clip has first and second ends, andwherein a plurality of holes are proximate the first end for attachingthe clip to the shelf, and a pair of spaced tabs are proximate thesecond end of the clip for attaching to the base strip.